System and method for retransmission of data

ABSTRACT

A received RF signal can include data information intended for transmission over a wireless communication link. The data information of the signal can be processed at a node to produce overhead bits supporting a serial transmission of the data information over a communication medium to another node. For example, the data information of the received signal and overhead bits can be combined or framed according to a serial transport protocol for transmission over the communication medium. This technique of mapping or framing the data information into a serial transport protocol is used to more efficiently transmit the data over the communication medium to a target receiver, where the original RF signal can be reconstructed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The wireless telecommunication industry continues to experiencesignificant growth and consolidation. In the United States, marketpenetration is near 32% with approximately 86 million users nationwide.In 1999 the total number of subscribers increased 25% over the previousyear, with the average Minutes of Use (MOU) also increasing by about 20%per user. If one considers growth in the digital market, in as short asthree years, the digital subscriber base has grown to 49 million users,or approximately equal to the installed number of users of analog legacysystems. Even more interesting is an observation by Verizon Mobile that70% of their busy hour traffic (an important system design parameter) isdigital traffic, although only approximately 40% of the total number oftheir subscribers are digital users. The Verizon Mobile observationindicates the digital subscriber will drive the network design throughits increasing usage, whereas the analog user is truly a passive“glovebox” subscriber. Similar growth has been witnessed in othercountries, especially in Northern and Western Europe, where marketpenetration is even higher, approaching 80% in some areas, and digitalservice is almost exclusively used.

[0002] With the availability of Personal Communications Service (PCS)frequencies in the United States, and additional continuing auctions ofspectrum outside of the traditional 800-900 MegaHertz (MHz) radio band,the past few years have also seen increased competition among serviceproviders. For example, it has also been estimated that 88% of the U.S.population has three or more different wireless service providers fromwhich to choose, 69% have five or more, and about 4% have as many asseven service providers in their local area.

[0003] In 1999 total wireless industry revenue increased to $43B,representing an approximate 21% gain over 1998. However, a largerrevenue increase would have been expected given the increased subscribercount and usage statistics. It is clear that industry consolidation, therush to build out a nationwide footprint by multiple competing serviceproviders, and subsequent need to offer competitive pricing plans hashad the effect of actually diminishing the dollar-per-minute price thatcustomers are willing to pay for service.

[0004] These market realities have placed continuing pressure on systemdesigners to provide system infrastructure at minimum cost. Radio towerconstruction companies continue to employ several business strategies toserve their target market. Their historical business strategy, isbuild-to-suit (i.e., at the specific request and location as specifiedby a wireless operator). But some have now taken speculation approach,where they build a tower where it may be allowed by local zoning and thework with the new service providers to use the already existing towers.The speculative build spawned by the recently adopted zoning by-law isactually encouraged by communities to mitigate the “unsightly ugliness”of cellular phone towers. Towns adopted the by-laws to control towerplacement since Federal laws prohibit local zoning authorities tocompletely ban the deployment of wireless infrastructure in a community.Often the shared tower facility is zoned far removed from residentialareas, in more commercialized areas of town, along heavily traveledroads, or in more sparsely populated rural sections. But providing suchout of the way locations for towers often does not fully address eachand every wireless operator's capacity or coverage need.

[0005] Each of the individual wireless operators compete for thehousehold wireline replacement, and as their dollar-per-MOU is drivendown due to competition in the “traditional” wireless space, the “athome” use is one of the last untapped markets. As the industry continuesto consolidate, the wireless operator will look for new ways to offerenhanced services (coverage or products) to maintain and capture newrevenue.

[0006] Considering the trends that have appeared over recent years, whengiven the opportunity to displace the household wireline phone withreliable wireless service, a wireless service operator may see theiraverage MOUs increase by a factor of 2 to 4, thereby directly increasingtheir revenue potential 200 to 400%. In order to achieve this, thewireless operator desires to gain access throughout a community aseasily as possible, in both areas where wireless facilities are anallowed use and in where they are not, and blanket the community withstrong signal presence.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is directed towardsretransmission techniques. In an illustrative embodiment, a receivedsignal includes data information that is transmitted to a following nodein a communication system for eventual transmission of the datainformation over a wireless communication link. The data information isprocessed by hardware that produces overhead bits supporting a serialtransmission of the data information over a communication medium to afollowing node. For example, the data information of the received signaland overhead bits can be combined or framed according to a serialtransport protocol for transmission over the communication medium. Thistechnique of mapping or framing the data information into a serialtransport protocol is used to more efficiently transmit the data overthe communication medium to a target receiver.

[0008] In a retransmission system, the received signal passes fromreceiving hardware, over a communication link, to transmission hardware.The received signal can consist of data from an analog to digitalconverter (ADC). The receiving hardware also has status informationabout the signal, the hardware that needs to pass over the link fromreceiver to transmitter.

[0009] One aspect of the retransmission system involves passing thedigitized signal unmodified from receiver to transmitter. Theretransmission system can provide fault detection, system status, andcontrol features to control software that manages the link. For example,the transmitter can be notified when a retransmission link contains baddata, thus, preventing transmission of corrupted signals.

[0010] Three options can be considered in the design of control, statusand fault detection. A first option passing only data over theretransmission link and using a separate software to softwarecommunication channel for status. A second option is to multiplexcontrol and status data into a serial data stream, an “inband” approach.This approach can include state machines in the data channel to find anddistinguish the overhead from the data and reduces the available datarate. A third option is to pass the control and status data over a“sideband.”

[0011] The SONET protocol can be used in a retransmission system since anumber of commercial circuit cards include multiplexing capability at asufficient data rate. This protocol used can include the sidebandoption. Specifically, SONET uses Path overhead to carry control andstatus information from one end of the link to another.

[0012] In one application, the signal is received in a digitized RF(Radio Frequency) format that reformatted and transmitted to a followingnode using a serial protocol such as SONET (Synchronous OpticalNetwork). The original signal can be reconstructed at a downstream orreceiver node using the data information. The overhead bits can be usedto conform that the data is valid and provides information to manageretransmission in the network. Accordingly, one aspect of the presentinvention involves transmitting a digitized RF signal over SONET.

[0013] The received signal can be derived from an RF signal transmittedover a coaxial cable. More specifically, a band of frequencies of the RFsignal on the coaxial cable can be down converted to produce an analogIF (Intermediate Frequency) signal that is thereafter converted using ananalog-to-digital (A/D) converter. The A/D converter digitizes the IFbandwidth signal into digital words that are the data informationtransmitted over the serial stream. The overhead bits are added and thecombined signal is sent over a high speed transport network, such as onethat uses an optical fiber as the physical transmission medium. The datainformation and overhead bits can be received in a parallel format andconverted to a serial format for transmission over the communicationmedium. For instance, the signal can be an analog signal that is sampledto produce 14-bit words that are converted to digital words fortransmission over a serial transport protocol. At a downstream receivernode, the serial stream (that is potentially transmitted and receivedover an optical fiber) can be converted back into a digitized RF signalusing the data information. The overhead information provides faultdetection and configuration information to the transmitter hardware andits managing software. The reconstructed RF signal can then be used todrive an antenna for transmitting the data information to a target suchas a cellular phone device.

[0014] Thus, one aspect of the present invention is directed towards aseamless solution for converting an RE signal for transmission over anoptical link and conversion back to the RF signal for driving a remoteantenna device. The use of an optical fiber provides high bandwidth fortransmitting large amounts of data.

[0015] As mentioned, the serial stream can be transmitted throughmultiple nodes to a target receiver. In general, a node can be any pointin the communication system such as a circuit component, a circuit card,or a device that processes, stores, receives or transmits datainformation. To aid in re-transmission from one node to another, aparticular protocol can be selected for transmitting the serial stream.Based on an anticipated protocol for transmitting the serial stream at afollowing downstream node, at least a portion of the overhead bitsgenerated at an upstream node can be transmitted in an allocatedregister of the selected transport protocol that later will be used atthe downstream node. In other words, certain bits or registers of thetransport protocol previously used for transmitting the serial streamfrom the upstream node to a downstream node can be overwritten and usedfor a different purpose when the serial stream is re-transmitted from afollowing downstream node. Consequently, registers and bits of theselected protocol can be used for different purposes from one node tothe next. Upon receipt of the re-transmitted serial stream according tothe selected protocol, the serial stream can be checked forconfiguration and transmission errors and processed to reproduce thesignal as it was originally received.

[0016] In a specific application, the serial stream is initiallytransmitted using a Quasi-SONET protocol from one node to the next andcertain registers of the Quasi-SONET protocol are used for overhead suchas diagnostics and control information. This enables two nodes such asan intermediate transmitter/receiver pair to pass information betweeneach other for maintaining a link or, on a larger scale, an overallcommunication system. At a node receiving the serial stream of datainformation, the serial stream can be further re-transmitted using theSONET protocol.

[0017] The communication medium can be a fiber optic link carrying dataoriginally intended for transmission over an RF (Radio Frequency)antenna device to a mobile cellular phone user. Thus, a digitized RFsignal can be processed for transmission to a target antenna device viathe SONET protocol. The communication medium can also be a hard-wiredcable such as a coaxial cable or twisted pair of wires for carrying adifferential signal. It should be understood that types of communicationmedia can be connected in tandem to support propagation of the serialstream including data information and overhead bits. More specifically,the serial stream can be transmitted over a pair of differential copperwires and later converted to an optical signal transmitted over fibers,etc.

[0018] The overhead bits for transmitting the data information over theserial stream can include time stamps. In one application, the timestamps are used for location services. For example, a service providercan use the time stamp information to identify the location of a targetcellular devices such as a mobile phone user. Additionally, the timestamps can be used to determine a path delay of a serial stream from onenode to the next.

[0019] The overhead bits can also include parity information to identifyquality of the serial stream. For example, the originally received RFsignal including the data information can be processed for transmissioninto a serial stream using parity information such as a checksum toensure signal integrity. Consequently, data information received in theserial stream can be checked for errors. Health of hardware or a linkcan also be determined using similar types of maintenance informationtransmitted in the overhead bits. Parity can be applied to the entireset of bits in a frame such as data bits, overhead bits and frame syncbits.

[0020] The system for communicating data information can include a hubto receive a signal from at least one base station. For example, the hubcan be designed to receive signals from a base station farm includingmultiple base stations. As discussed, a received signal can include datainformation that is to be transmitted to a target by a remote antennadevice. The system can include a communication medium to couple the huband antenna device. A processor device disposed in the hub can decodethe received signal to produce overhead bits supporting a serialtransmission of the data information over the communication medium tothe remote antenna device. Consequently, an RF signal originallyintended for driving an antenna device can be repackaged (includingoverhead bits and the data information) based on a serial transportprotocol to a remote receiver over a fiber link.

[0021] Based upon receipt of the serial stream, the original RF signalcan be reconstructed at the remote receiver to drive a remotely locatedantenna device. This provides a seamless solution for transmitting an RFsignal at the remote antenna device without needlessly degrading systemperformance. That is, although there is overhead processing associatedwith reformatting the signal for transmission to a target, the techniqueof transmitting the data information into the serial protocol includingoverhead bits enables use of a more robust media for transmitting thedata information of the original signal.

[0022] One aspect of the transport protocol is to add overhead as asideband to the data stream to avoid the complexity of time multiplexingthe overhead inband with the data stream. It works out that thecommercial devices typically have 16 bits available. In one application,14 bits can be used for data, while one is used for overhead and one isused for frame sync. If 15 bit data words are used, we can move theframe sync function into the overhead bit stream. Within the commercial16:1 serdes, the bits become time multiplexed.

[0023] The hub can include a patch panel for selecting which of multipletarget antenna devices a serial stream will be directed. For example,signals from multiple base stations can be fed into the hub where theyare redirected or broadcasted to one or multiple target devices. Eachsignal can be processed for serial transmission over a communicationmedium such as a fiber link to a remote receiver device including anantenna for transmitting the data information. One purpose of the patchpanel is to enable an operator to manually connect input and outputports via a cable so that a serial stream is directed to a particularremote receiver and corresponding antenna device. Thus, a hub and itscorresponding hardware and software functions can direct an RF signal toone of multiple remote antenna devices.

[0024] The overhead bits can be allocated for specific purposes. Forexample, a portion of overhead bits supported by the transport protocolcan be allocated to indicate a status of a communication link.Additionally, a portion of the overhead bits can be used to controlfunctions at a downstream node that is used to generate an RF (RadioFrequency) signal. For instance, control information can identify afrequency at which an Rf signal is to be transmitted.

[0025] In one application, the overhead bits include path traceinformation to identify a source of a received serial stream includingdata information. Additionally, the path trace information can be usedto configure at least a portion of the communication system.

[0026] Most fiber-based repeater products modulate an RF signal directlyonto an optical transport. While this method of transmitting RF may beviable for in-building applications, there are several factors that canbe concern over a long haul. These factors include the different airinterface RF links which all have very wide dynamic range performancerequirements, fiber path loss varying with temperature, signal lossvarying with fiber path lengths and splits, and the ease of multiplexingmultiple users on a common fiber path. Use of the distributed systemaccording to the principles of the present invention addresses theseconcerns, providing a highly robust and efficient backbone fortransmitting a digitized signal over a serial communication medium.Accordingly, an analog RF signal can be stripped of its carrierfrequency, digitized, converted into a serial format, and transmitted toa remote target device where the original RF signal is thenreconstructed for driving an antenna.

[0027] Many traditional base station towers have been built to handlethe antenna and base station assets of one wireless service provider.Use of a distributed RF system supporting the conversion of data andoverhead bits to a serial stream protocols allows the use of multi-bandantennas at remote locations. Thus, a single tenant tower can beinexpensively turned into a multi-tenant cell site, alleviating groundspace constraints at tower sites. Also, the distributed RF systemenables multiple base stations to share a common RF distributionbackbone to transmit and receive data from remote antenna devicesmounted on existing infrastructure such as low height telephone poles.Thus, a zone of RF coverage can be enlarged without signal degradationby leveraging existing infrastructure, such as fiber-optic lines andmicrowave spectrum, to transmit wireless signals between mobile usersand network base stations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer tothe same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention.

[0029]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system including ahub for retransmission of data information according to certainprinciples of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 2 is a diagram of a cellular site plan including a hub forcoupling multiple base transceiver stations to radio access nodeslocated in corresponding cells according to certain principles of thepresent invention.

[0031]FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of a hub according to certainprinciples of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of a base station generating anRF signal that is processed and repackaged for serial transmission to aremote access node over an optical fiber according to certain principlesof the present invention.

[0033]FIGS. 5A and 5B are yet more detailed block diagrams illustratinga process of converting an analog signal, reformatting the analog signalinto digital information for transmission over an optical fiber, andreconstructing the original analog signal at a terminal node accordingto certain principles of the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating multiple stages of acommunication system in which a received signal is reformatted toinclude overhead information for serial transmission of the datainformation according to certain principles of the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 7 is a timing diagram illustrating a STS-12C SONET protocolfor transmitting data information.

[0036]FIG. 8 is a timing diagram illustrating a method of grouping databits and overhead bits for transmission over a serial stream accordingto certain principles of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 9 is a timing diagram illustrating a serial transmission ofdata bits and overhead bits according to certain principles of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] A description of preferred embodiments of the invention follows.

[0039]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system fortransmitting and receiving information between a base station and awireless mobile transceiver device according to certain principles ofthe present invention. As shown, base transceiver stations (BTS) 120-1,120-2, . . . 120-n are coupled to hub 130 via corresponding cables122-1, 122-2, . . . 122-n.

[0040] Typically, each base station is coupled to hub 130 via one ormore coaxial cables carrying digitized RF (Radio Frequency) signals.Consequently, RF signals transmitted on a coaxial cable can betransmitted in either direction between hub 130 and base stations. Forexample, one coaxial cable can be used to transmit a signal between hub130 and base station 120 and another coaxial cable can be used totransmit a signal between base station 120 and hub 130.

[0041] In one application, the signals on cables 122 are formatted forrelaying wireless signal information to a cellular device such as mobiletransceiver 180-1 or 180-2. Hence, in the usual arrangement in the priorart, the RF signal on cable 122 is coupled directly to an antennadevice. However, in the present embodiment, instead of being coupled toan antenna device located on a base station tower, the RF signals ofbase stations 120 are fed (or received) to hub 130 for processing.Generally, hub 130 provides hardware and software functions to reformatthe signals received over optical fibers 140 for re-transmission to atarget such as one or multiple radio access nodes 150-1, 150-2 . . .150-p. The embodiment as shown can include a fiber ring connecting asingle hub 130 to multiple remote access nodes 150 Data informationrepresenting the RF signal can be reformatted according to a serialtransport protocol including overhead bits to aid in systemconfiguration and fault detection. More specifically, hub 130 cantransmit a serial stream of data representing the RF signal. The dataand generated overhead bits can be transmitted over an optical fiber 140to one or multiple radio access nodes 150. Based upon receipt of theserial stream including data and overhead information at access node150-1, an original RF signal received on a cable 122 at hub 130 can bereconstructed for driving a remote transducer such as antenna device160-1. In this way, a digitized RF signal received at hub 130 can bereproduced at a target access node 150, making it appear as though theoriginal RF signal generated by a base station is seamlessly connectedto a corresponding remote antenna device.

[0042] One notable advantage of the present invention is to enable abase station “farm,” i.e., multiple base stations located at a commonlocation, to transmit encoded digitized data signals to remotely locatedantennas. In previous applications, a base station farm would utilizeantennas disposed on a local base station tower. Often such towers areunsightly because of their size. According to the principles of thepresent invention, radio access nodes 150 can be distributed at remotelocations such as telephone poles. Thus, wireless communications can besupported using antenna devices disposed on existing infrastructure sothat distributed antenna devices blend in with the environment.

[0043] It should be noted that the communication system 100 isbidirectional. In a reverse direction as discussed, an RF signalgenerated by radio access node 150 can be converted into a serial formatfor transmission to hub 130 where the original signal is reproduced andfed to the appropriate base station 120.

[0044] The RF distribution system as shown in communication system 100can be used to provide equipment for the wireless telecommunicationsmarketplace that extends wireless service coverage, fills wirelessservice coverage holes, and increases wireless service capacity. Thiscan include the development of distributed RF system architectures,integration of multiple technologies in RF systems, RF hardware designand RF system level software. Consequently, the techniques describedherein can be used to leverage existing infrastructure, such asfiber-optic lines and microwave spectrum, to transmit wireless signalsbetween mobile users and network base stations.

[0045] Communication system 100 can be integrated to broadbandtransceiver and spread spectrum technologies that provide wirelesstelephony and network operators with substantial cost savings,deployment advantages, and performance benefits that significantlyenhance the quality, reliability, and availability of theircommunications services.

[0046] Communication system 100 can also incorporate the techniquesdiscussed in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/818,986 (attorney's docket no.3176.1000-001), entitled “Multi-Protocol Distributed Wireless SystemArchitecture,” filed on Mar. 27, 2001, which itself claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/192,186, filed on Mar. 27, 2000and U.S. application Ser. No. 09/821,820 (attorney's docket no.-133176.1001-001), entitled “Operations and Maintenance Architecture forMultiProtocol Distributed System,” filed on Mar. 29, 2001, which itselfclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/192,870, filedon Mar. 29, 2000, the entire teachings of all of which are incorporatedherein by this reference.

[0047]FIG. 2 is a site plan for a particular region. The site plan showsmultiple adjacent cell sites including radio access nodes 150 andcorresponding antenna devices 160 according to certain principles of thepresent invention. As shown, hub 130 couples base stations 120 (seeFIG. 1) to radio access nodes 150 via fibers 220. Hub 130 can beconfigured so that signals generated by a base station can bere-transmitted to one or multiple radio access nodes at the same time.Consequently, a wireless signal can be transmitted from multiple antennadevices at the same time to increase a wireless signal coverage in aselected area. Additionally, hub 130 can be configured so the multiplewireless service providers generating signals at different base stationscan share use of a radio access node 150 for generating wireless signalsto mobile transceiver devices 180.

[0048] Each radio access node 150 can provide open access for multipleWireless Service Providers (WSPs) simultaneously so that they do notinterfere with each other. In residential areas where zoning issuesimpede construction of new conventional towers to provide wirelessservice coverage, components of communication system 100 can be used tointerconnect base station hubs to multiple low-height utility poleswhich are distributed throughout the coverage area. In urban areas whereincreased wireless service capacity is required, communication system100 can be used for “cell-splitting” by interconnecting base stationhubs to multiple low-height utility poles, building rooftops, and otherexisting infrastructure to maintain high availability of spectrum tousers in smaller, more numerous coverage zones.

[0049] Communication system 100 can be a multi-frequency, multi-protocolwireless access network providing cellular, PCS and wireless datacoverage via a distributed fiber access system. In specificapplications, communication system 100 can be modified to accommodatecurrent wireless protocols such as TDMA, CDMA, GSM, MEN and iDEN as wellas next generation 3G wireless protocols such as GPRS, 1XRTT, EDGE,3XRTT, and W-CDMA. For example, system 100 can operate in the licensedcellular (800 MHz) and PCS (1900 MHz) bands and be forward compatible tosupport international frequency bands of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz, andunlicensed frequency bands, including 700 MHz, ISM (900/2400 MHz), MMDS(2.8MHz) and UUNII (5.8GHz).

[0050]FIG. 3 is a more detailed block diagram of a hub according tocertain principles of the present invention. As shown, base transceiverstation 120-1 is coupled for transmitting and receiving data streamsfrom radio access node 150-1 through patch panel 320. In general, patchpanel 320 includes a multiple pairs of differential input/output portsfor coupling a base station 120 to a remote access node 150. Cables 352and 354 are jumpers that couple a base station to a particular target.Typically, cables 352 and 354 as well as cables to and from patch panel320 are differential pairs designed to propagate high speed serialdigital signals. Shields can be included around the differential pairsof wires for signal integrity.

[0051] In a forward direction, base transceiver station 120-1 generatesan RF signal based on a standard protocol. For example, any suitableprotocol such as TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), CDMA (CodeDivision Multiple Access), GSM (Global Satellite Mobile) can be used fortransmitting and receiving signals to and from a mobile transceiver. Inone application, the signal received at hub 130 through cable 312 has acarrier frequency of 1.96 Ghz (Gigahertz). Characteristics of the signalon cable 312 can vary depending on the application.

[0052] The RF signal transmitted by base transceiver 120-1 is coupledvia coaxial cable 312 to hub 130 and, more specifically, hub downconverter 310-1. Upon receipt, hub down converter 310-1 converts theforward RF channel to an IF (Intermediate Frequency) that can bedigitized. It should be noted that each hub down converter can supportmultiple separate RF channels.

[0053] Hub down converter 310-1 and related circuitry generate aserially formatted, differential signal on to a twisted wire pair 322.The differential signal is coupled via jumper cable 352 to twisted wirepair 332 and serial interface 390-1 such as a SONET (Synchronous OpticalNetwork) transmitter. Serial interface 390-1 then retransmits a receivedsignal via a serial protocol such as SONET STS-12 that operates at622.08 megabits per second.

[0054] Serial interface 390-1 generates an optical signal over fiber 342to radio access node 150 where the received optical signal is convertedback into RF format for driving antenna device 362. It should be notethat use of a particular communication medium is merely exemplary. Forexample, fiber cable 342 and other media can be replaced with any othersuitable media for carrying data information.

[0055] In a reverse direction, radio access node 150 can receivewireless signals and format them for serial transmission over fiber 344to serial interface 391-1. In turn, serial interface 391-1 can transmitthe serial stream of received information over cables 334, 354 and 324,respectively, to hub up converter 311-1. Hub up converter 311 canconvert a received serial stream of data and overhead bits to anoriginal or near original RF signal that is fed to base transceiverstation 120-1.

[0056]FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hub down converter andrelated circuitry according to certain principles of the presentinvention. More specifically, hub down converter 310-1 includes an RFdown converter 410 for stripping away a carrier signal of the signalreceived over cable 312. As a result of down converting, an IF(Intermediate Frequency) signal is produced and coupled to forwardsimulcast card 420. More details of processing the IF signal areillustrated in the following figures.

[0057] It should be noted that outputs of forward simulcast card 420 caninclude separate drivers so that a copy of the same signal istransmitted over multiple ports of patch panel 320.

[0058]FIG. 5A is a more detailed block diagram illustrating how an IFsignal is processed according to certain principles of the presentinvention. In general, the output of circuit 530 includes a recoveredclock signal received by circuit 525. This clock signal also flows fromcircuit 530 to circuit 545.

[0059] As shown, IF signal or any other suitable analog signal is fedinto A/D (Analog-to-Digital) converter 505. The IF signal is sampled toproduce a digitized RF signal. For instance, IF signal can be sampled ata rate of 42.912 MHz and to produce sample words of 14 bits wide.

[0060] The sample words or data information of the analog signal is fedto digital circuit 520 for processing. In general, digital circuit 520in conjunction with processor 515 will prepare the data for transmissionover serial interface circuit 525 such as a National 16:1 SER/DES partnumber DS92LV16 operating at a speed of 772.416 MHz (42.912 MHz*(16bits+start bit+stop bit)).

[0061]FIG. 8 is a timing diagram illustrating how data information isgrouped and converted for serial transfer over cable 352. Data bits 13 .. . 0 represent a single 14-bit sample word that is grouped with twoother bits for serial transmission. One bit is an overhead bit inregisters 510 as shown. The other bit is a frame bit that is used toidentify the beginning of a frame. For each clock cycle, a 16-bit wordis clocked into a serial output register for transmission overdifferential pair cable 352.

[0062]FIG. 9 illustrates a 16-bit data word that is clocked into serialinterface circuit 525. A start and stop bit are added to the data word.These bits are then serially transmitted over cable 352 to de-serializercircuit 530 that converts the byte information back to its originalformat.

[0063] Referring again to FIG. 5A, digital circuit 520 can be an ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or Field Programmable GateArray (FPGA) device including digital overhead registers 510. Theoverhead bits or information in register 510 can be used, at least inpart, to support the transfer of data information base don a selectedserial transport protocol.

[0064] In one application, register 510 mirrors or at least partiallyreflects use of overhead bytes used in a SONET protocol. However, someof the bits are used for different purposes from one node to the nextrather than being used as narrowly specified by a SONET protocol.Consequently, serial interface circuit 525 can transmit the datainformation to a downstream node using a quasi-SONET overhead protocoland SONET-derived clock rate. This aspect of the invention will bediscussed in more detail in FIG. 6.

[0065] Digital circuit 520 drives the 14-bit data words, overhead bitinformation in registers 510, and sync signal to serial interface 525.In turn, interface 525 generates a differential signal through selectedports of patch panel 320 to deserializer circuit 530, which also can bea DS92LV16 chip.

[0066] It should be noted serial interface 525 can simultaneously drivemultiple deserializer circuits through patch panel 320. One feature offorward simulcast card is to generate up to 8 copies of the analog IFsignal. Consequently, a signal from a single base station can beregenerated at multiple radio access nodes for better coverage of an RFsignal to a receiver device. A single base station 120 can driveinformation to multiple radio access nodes 150. Also, multiple basestations can drive signals to a single radio node 150.

[0067] Deserializer circuit 530 passes the information received over thedifferential signal including data and overhead bits to digital circuit535. In conjunction with processor 540, digital circuit 535 forward thedata and overhead information to transmitter 545, which can be anoptical source such as a laser or diode device for transmitting a signalover optical fiber 342. Circuit 545 can also be a SONET multiplexor thatcombines several connectors 352 onto a single fiber so that there aremultiple serial interfaces 390 driving a single fiber 342. Prior todriving, digital circuit 535 can repackage information in the 14-bitdata words into 8-bit data words that are framed by transmitter 545 fortransmission over fiber 342.

[0068] In a specific application, transmitter 545 is a SONET framerdevice that transmits an optical signal on fiber 342 or othercommunication medium to a target device. Transmission of informationover fiber 342 can be based on OC-48 or any other suitable standard.Fiber 342 can be shared by multiple transmitters generating an opticalsignal at different wave lengths so that multiple base stations candrive a signal to a common radio access node 150.

[0069] A path from hub 130 to a radio access node can include a SONETring. For example, a pair of fibers to and from hub 130 to radio accessnode 150 can form a ring network. From a top view, distributed RF systemcan be viewed as a star network. That is, multiple individualconnections can be made from hub 130 to each of multiple remote accessnodes 150.

[0070]FIG. 5B is a detailed block diagram of internal components of aradio access node according to certain principles of the presentinvention. In general, an optical signal is received to produce an IFoutput signal that matches or substantially matches an IF signal at theinput of A/D converter 505 as previously discussed. Receiver circuit 560recovers the data clock received from circuit 545 and the clock flowsfrom circuit 530 to circuit 570. Circuit 580 recovers the clock from thesignals and propagates it to circuit 585 and circuit 518.

[0071] Receiver circuit 560 receives the optical signal transmitted overoptical fiber 342. The received signal is converted to retrieve theserial stream of data information and overhead bits according to theselected serial protocol. As a result, digital circuit 565 inconjunction with processor 568 processes and repackages the signal for adownstream node as previously discussed. For example, digital circuit565 tracks the overhead information stored in registers 566 andtransmits the information to serial interface circuit 570, which in turndrives a differential signal through patch panel 575 via jumper cable572.

[0072] In a similar manner as previously discussed, deserializer 580transmits the formatted data and overhead information to digital circuit585 and processor 588. The overhead information is stripped away and thedata information is reformatted to 14-bit words as originally generatedby A/D circuit 505.

[0073] Based on the 14-bit data words, D/A (Digital-to-Analog) converter518 generates the original IF signal. This analog signal can then bemodulated onto an original RF carrier frequency so that the RF signalgenerated by base station 120-1 is now coupled to antenna device 160 fortransmission to mobile transceiver 180.

[0074] Overhead bits in a serial stream can indicate characteristics ofthe original RF signal such as its carrier frequency, originatingsource, protocol, etc. Additionally, the overhead bit information can beused to identify to which antenna device a serial stream is directed.For example, an address can be included indicating a destination towhich a reconstructed RF signal, or the stream itself, will be directedor routed.

[0075]FIG. 6 illustrates how digital IF signal words are formatted toinclude overhead bits that are sent via a downstream transport protocol.In general, information is directed to successive stages such as nodesfor data processing. It should be noted that a node can be any point inthe communication system such as a circuit component, a circuit card, ora device that processes, stores, receives or transmits data informationfro one point the next. Hence, the term ‘node’ is not limited to merelyremote access nodes 150, although a remote access node is one type ofnode in communication system 100.

[0076] At a first node including digital circuit 520, data words 610 arecombined with information from software or hardware to produce overheadbits that are stored in registers 510. Each register can be one byte sothat there are 72 overhead bits of information transmitted for each of5364 14-bit data words received from A/D converter 505.

[0077]FIG. 7 is a timing diagram illustrating a data bits and pathoverhead bits transmitted according to a SONET STS-12C protocol. Bitinformation is transmitted row by row, left to right. Each column holdsa single byte and 9 rows of columns make up a frame transmitted in 125microsecond. Thus, a frame rate is 8000 Hertz.

[0078] Thirty six columns are used for transport overhead. One column isused for path overhead bytes 510 and the balance of 1043 columns is usedto carry data payload information. SONET uses 8 bit words. Accordingly,every four of the 14-bit words are packaged into 7 bytes of data payloadfor transmission using the SONET protocol. The United States version ofthe STS-12C SONET standard are published by the American NationalStandards Institute (ANSI), the entire teachings of which isincorporated herein by this reference.

[0079] Referring again to FIG. 6, all of the data and overheadinformation bits are parsed into slots for transmission to a targetnode. The receiving node can identify which bits are data versusoverhead based on a sync signal. Thus, bits in the slots can beidentified based on when they are received in a frame.

[0080] A frame sync bit marks the beginning of frame and is used formultiple purposes. For example, the frame SYNC bit can mark a SONET pathframe boundary, the start of a path trace, a parity accumulationboundary or a time stamp reference point.

[0081] Register J2 is used for transmitting a 64 byte message of pathtrace information. SONET defines a path trace string as 64 bytes of textterminated in CR, LF (carriage return, linefeed). The quasi SONETprotocol and SONET protocol both transmit one byte of path trace on eachframe, so the whole string gets transmitted every 64 frames. The pathtrace contains useful data for configuration, error checking, debugging,etc.

[0082] Register B4 is used for parity. The parity byte can contain bitinterleaved parity (BIP) for the preceding frame. SONET defines BIP forthe bytes in a SONET frame. This can be extended to parity check the 16bit words transmitted between nodes over communication link 352.

[0083] Register C3 is a path label or path type. This byte carriessignal label information indicating the structure of the payload. Foreach successive node, this byte is transparently mapped to the sameregister for downstream nodes. In one application, the C3 byte includesinformation about the existence of at the source of a Path such as adownconverter. In another application, the C3 byte can include a codefor the specific type of equipment used in supporting transmission of aserial stream.

[0084] Register G2 is a dummy value transmitting unused data such as 0to a following node.

[0085] Register F3 is a byte including subchannel and bandwidthinformation. This byte is transparently mapped from node to node. Thatis, overhead information provided at circuit 520 is maintained to atarget downstream node. The F3 byte can include information formultiplexing multiple serial streams. In such an application, multiplexcards at either end of a digital interface link would use the F3 byte toverify correct modes of operation of each card at ends of the link.

[0086] Register H5 is a byte information reserved for user information.This byte is also transparently mapped to a downstream node. That is,each node in the communication system transmits the same information ina register to until it reaches an end node. Consequently, overheadinformation generated at a source can be used at the end node for signalreconstruction, diagnostics or control.

[0087] Hardware status bits can be used in the H byte to flow through aSONET interface card. Termination equipment such as downconverters,upconverters and other equipment can generate these bits of the H byteat serial circuit 525. These bits can enable direct hardware control ofthe destination equipment by commands from the source equipment. Thebits also can enable transmission of serial circuit 525 source equipmentstatus to destination equipment. This register also can be used totransmit fault status from downconverter to upconverter to cause theupconverter to shut down, preventing the transmission of faulty signals.

[0088] Registers Z6 and Z7 can be reserved for future use. Additionally,they can be use dto carry time stamp information.

[0089] Register Z8 includes a byte of information that is transparentlymapped to an end node.

[0090] Data and overhead information is processed by processor 540 anddigital circuit 535 such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0091] As shown, the bytes of information received for registers J2, C3,F3, H5, and Z8 map respectively to registers J1, C2, F2, H4, and Z5.

[0092] Register B4 can be used to detect errors such as lost orimproperly received data bits. For example, register B4 can be used toverify checksum of received data information. If an error is detected, acounter can be incremented to track decreased system integrity. RegisterB4 information in circuit 535 includes the bit interleaved parity of theprevious frame as generated by circuit 520. The B4 byte value receivedby circuit 535 is compared with the accumulated parity of bytes receivedby circuit 530 to detect errors.

[0093] Register G1 is used by SONET to include an Alarm IndicationSignal (AIS) and Remote Error Indication (REI). When circuit 535 detectsan error over DIF interface 352 (such as a parity error) or circuit 530(such as loss of lock), it increments the remote error indication bitsof G1.

[0094] Register TS-B1 is a time stamp byte 0 and register TS-B1 is atime stamp byte 1. thus, a combination of information in these registerscan be a 16-bit time stamp. The time stamp registers contain the countof A/D samples since an external timing mark, such as a GPS (GlobalPositioning System) 1 Hz pulse.

[0095] Transmitter 545 also includes a set of 9 overhead byte register.As discussed, the registers can be based on a SONET protocol. As shown,generally all of the upstream node registers at digital circuit 540 mapto those at transmitter 545 with the exception of register B3. RegisterB3 is generated by a framer circuit to provide parity error checking onthe path between circuit 545 and circuit 560.

[0096] Data information can be reformatted by circuit 535 from 14-bitwords to 8-bit words for serial transmission of the data and overheadover fiber 342. Since the data information is converted to 8-bit words,there are now 9387 8-bit words transmitted in a SONET frame.

[0097] Receiver 560 receives the data and overhead bits transmitted in aserial format. As shown, the register information maps to the registersat digital circuit 565 where they are further processed by processor568.

[0098] At digital circuit 565, information received in registers J1, C2,E2, H4 and Z5 are mapped respectively to registers J2, C3, F3, H5 andZ8.

[0099] Register B4 is again used to carry parity information. It is usedto check if a parity error occurs during transmission of data. If so, acorresponding counter is incremented to flag the error.

[0100] Register G2 can include remote error indication bits generated bycircuit 535 and also the Alarm Indication Bits generated by circuit 560and Circuit 565. The Alarm indication bits come from either parity errorindicated by byte B3 or from optical communication error indicated bycircuit 560.

[0101] Registers Z6 and Z7 are include time stamp information generatedat circuit 535 so that a following node can identify a time delaybetween transmission and receipt of data.

[0102] The Z5, Z6 bytes contain time stamp information to record theexact time of the frame sync pulse as received at circuit 535. In oneapplication, serial digital circuit 525 adds a time stamp to generatedsignals as they arrive from the downconverter circuit, which generatesthe time stamp. In another application, circuit 535 adds the time stampto the overhead bytes.

[0103] Since a time of the frame sync and clock frequency are known, itis possible to determine the time of any data value in the serialstream. To prevent drift from degrading the time measurement and toautomatically resynchronize in the event of error, the time stamp can beupdated at regular intervals. In one application, the time stamp valuegets added at 1 Hz from a clock provided by a GPS receiver. The maximumupdate rate is once per frame or 8000 times per second.

[0104] Logic in circuit 535 can record the arriving time stampinformation and exact time when the corresponding frame sync pulseoccurred. Circuit 565 uses a similar circuit to count clock cycles afteran external time resynchronization, such as a 1 Hz GPS pulse. Oneembodiment can rely on the time synchronization mark occurringsimultaneously at both circuits 535 and circuit 565.

[0105] Register Z5 and Z6 can form a 16 bit time stamp. Bit 15 can beused to indicate that a valid time stamp exists for a given frame. Bit14 can be a parity bit that is used for checking errors in a time stampbetween reading Z5 and Z6. Bits 13 . . . 0 can be stored time datainformation.

[0106] Time data can consist of the lower bits of a counter clocked at aserial rate clock rate of 42.912 MHz, which resets to zero thesynchronization mark, for example, at each integer second when using 1Hz GPS pulses. Bits to the right of the decimal point in the time stampcan be used for absolute time expressed in seconds. Higher level timeprocessing functions can be implemented to add the time to the left ofthe decimal point.

[0107] Time stamps can be used for many purposes. For example, they canbe used for location services and to determine a time delay in theserial interface.

[0108] A sending interface can add the time stamp and a receivinginterface notes the time of arrival of time stamp with it's own accuratecounter and can deduce delay, which gets reported in designatedregisters.

[0109] Time stamping can be performed at a point as close to the serialinterface as possible. The time stamp can be inserted in Z3 and Z4,where Z3 is MSB and Z4 is LSB. Time stamp insertion can be halted. Inthis case, a real Z3 and Z4 byte won't be substituted and will betransmitted without changing. This mode can be used for some serial pathdelay measurements.

[0110] The time stamp measurement can be performed at the serial outputof circuit 525. The calculated real time from transmitting to receivingthe time stamp is accessible through the CPU interface. It can bevaluable to know that the received value, presented in that interfacewill be refreshed after accessing it. If a value hasn't been read for along time, the time stamp value may be obsolete.

[0111] The measured value can be represented in 42.912 MHz sampling rateand it is only the overhead delay. Also the drop OC12 to serialconverter insert one frame (125 us) overhead delay, but the data path isgoing without delay. So the software can take in to account the pathroute and to subtract 125 us as many times as necessary to receive thedata path delay. A maximum measured possible delay is 763 us.

[0112] Delay calculations can be performed by sending timestamps inframe POH (Z3 and Z4). Time stamps can be 14 bits each as mentioned.

[0113] Time stamps can be taken by reading a current state of internalreal time clocks (counters) that are set to zero by coming 1 Hz timemarks. The input clock signal of such clock-counters is 77.76/2=38.88MHz (SONET VCXO is used as a source of a duty clock signal), whichresults of measured delays range of ˜430 millisec and resolution of 26nanosec.

[0114] An FPGA of a transmitting node can receive a request to send atimestamp. It will wait for the next 1 Hz mark. After having receivedthe mark, the transmitting FPGA waits until a new frame begins and itgets to the moment of inserting a POH byte(Z3, Z4) dedicated totimestamps. Right before this moment a 14-bit word is read from theclock-counter (t1). These bits of the timestamp can be inserted into a Zbytes (two other bits are used for marking—active timestamp, must becleared upon the receiving, etc—TBD during FPGA design). As a result,four STS-12c frames (or SPEs) carry timestamps.

[0115] An FPGA of a receiving node can detect, extract and store timestamps in an internal register (t1). At the moment of the detection, theFPGA can read the state of its clock-counter and store its content in aninternal register (t2). The delay value Td=t2+(−t1) is available for theSW at the output of an adder. When add/drop action is performed, thissame mechanism can be used for measuring delays between non-adjacentnodes up to whole loop delays in the SONET rings.

[0116] A measured delay does not represent the only delay for thecompensation delay calculations. Other constant hardware delay valuescan be taken into account.

[0117] Overhead bits in registers J2, B4, C3, G2, F3, H5, Z6, Z7 and Z8are then formatted and transmitted along with data to destination suchas digital circuit 585. As previously discussed, the original RF signalreceived fro a corresponding base station 120 can be reproduced fordriving an antenna device 160 at a radio access node 150. In a reversedirection, an RF signal carrying data information formatted for awireless communication system can be transmitted from a radio accessnode and reproduced at the hub for transmission to a base station 120.

[0118] While this invention has been particularly shown and describedwith references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details maybe made therein without departing from the scope of the inventionencompassed by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for communicating data information in acommunication system, the method comprising: receiving a signalincluding data information representing a digitized version of a radiosignal to be transmitted over a wireless link; processing the datainformation to produce overhead bits supporting a serial transmission ofthe data information over a transport communication medium; and framingthe data information of the signal and overhead bits according to atransport protocol for transmission of the data information and overheadbits in a serial stream over the transport communication medium.
 2. Amethod as in claim 1 further comprising: recognizing that the serialstream will be re-transmitted at a following node according to aselected transport protocol; and transmitting at least a portion of theoverhead bits in an allocated register of the transport protocol thatwill be overwritten when at least a portion of the serial stream isre-transmitted from the following node.
 3. A method as in claim 2further comprising: upon receipt of the re-transmitted serial streamaccording to the selected protocol, processing the serial stream toreproduce the signal as originally received.
 4. A method as in claim 1further comprising: receiving the serial transmission over the transportcommunication medium; and re-transmitting the received serialtransmission according to a SONET (Synchronous Optical Network)protocol.
 5. A method as in claim 1, wherein the transport communicationmedium is a fiber optic link and the data is intended for transmissionover an RF (Radio Frequency) antenna device to a mobile cellular phoneuser.
 6. A method as in claim 1, wherein the overhead bits include timestamps.
 7. A method as in claim 6, wherein the time stamps are used forlocation services.
 8. A method as in claim 6, wherein the time stampsare used to determine a path delay.
 9. A method as in claim 1, whereinthe signal is a digitized RF (Radio Frequency) signal.
 10. A method asin claim 9 further comprising: converting the digitized RF signal fortransmission over the transport communication medium; transmitting theserial stream including data of the digitized RF signal over thetransport communication medium according to a SONET (Synchronous OpticalNetwork) protocol; and reconstructing the digitized RF signal based onreceipt of the serial stream over the transport communication medium.11. A method as in claim 1, wherein the overhead bits include parityinformation to identify quality of the serial stream.
 12. A method as inclaim 1, wherein the transport protocol is a quasi-SONET protocol thatsupports transmission of a serial stream of data.
 13. A method as inclaim 1 further comprising: generating overhead information that isincluded in the transport protocol for reconstructing an originallyreceived signal.
 14. A method as in claim 1, wherein the signal is adigitized RF (Radio Frequency) signal including data informationtransmitted over a cellular communication system.
 15. A method as inclaim 1 further comprising: decoding the signal to retrieve data wordsof a first length; and converting the retrieved data words into a secondword length for serial transmission over the transport communicationmedium.
 16. A method as in claim 1 further comprising: allocating atleast a portion of overhead bits to indicate a status of a correspondinglink.
 17. A method as in claim 1 further comprising: utilizing at leastone overhead bit to control hardware at a downstream node that is usedto generate an RF (Radio Frequency) signal.
 18. A method as in claim 1,wherein the overhead bits include path trace information to identify asource and characteristics of a received serial stream.
 19. A method asin claim 1 further comprising: configuring at least a portion of thecommunication system based on path trace information.
 20. A method as inclaim 1 further comprising: checking for configuration errors in atleast a portion of the communication system based upon path traceinformation.
 21. A system as in claim 1 further comprising: mappinginformation of the signal received in a parallel format to the serialstream.
 22. A system for communicating data information, the systemcomprising: a hub to receive a signal from at least one base station,the signal including data information that is to be transmitted to atarget by a remote antenna device; a communication medium to couple thehub and the antenna device; and a processor device disposed in the hubthat decodes the signal to produce overhead bits supporting a serialtransmission of the data information over the communication medium tothe remote antenna device, the data information of the signal andcorresponding overhead bits being framed according to a transportprotocol for transmission in a serial stream over the communicationmedium to the remote antenna.
 23. A system as in claim 22 furthercomprising: a patch panel disposed in the hub for selecting which ofmultiple target antenna devices a serial stream will be directed.
 24. Asystem as in claim 23, wherein the patch panel enables an operator tomanually connect input and output ports via a cable so that a serialstream is directed to a particular antenna device.
 25. A system as inclaim 22, wherein the signal is a digitized RF signal and a downconverter is disposed in the hub to strip away a carrier frequency. 26.A system as in claim 25, wherein the down converter processes the signalto produce the serial stream including data information.
 27. A system asin claim 22, wherein the transport protocol is SONET (SynchronousOptical Network).
 28. A system as in claim 22, wherein the communicationmedium is a fiber optic link and the data is intended for transmissionover a remote RF (Radio Frequency) antenna device to a mobile cellularphone user.
 29. A system as in claim 22, wherein the overhead bitsinclude time stamps.
 30. A system as in claim 29, wherein the timestamps are used for location services.
 31. A system as in claim 29,wherein the time stamps are used to determine a path delay.
 32. A systemas in claim 22, wherein the overhead bits include parity information toidentify quality of the serial stream.
 33. A system as in claim 22,wherein the overhead bits include path trace information to route asignal through the system.
 34. A system as in claim 22, wherein theoverhead bits include path trace information to verify a configurationof equipment passing the serial stream.
 35. A system as in claim 22,wherein the overhead bits include path trace information to configureequipment as a serial stream is passed through the system.
 36. A methodfor communicating data information in a distributed RF communicationsystem, the method comprising: receiving an RF signal including encodeddigital data information for transmission over a wireless link; samplingthe analog signal with an analog-to-digital converter to produce digitaldata words; processing the data information to produce overhead bitssupporting a serial transmission of the data information over acommunication medium; and framing the data words of a second length andoverhead bits according to a selected transport protocol fortransmission of the data information and overhead bits in a serialstream over the communication medium.